Pep Rally - Pittsburgh Steelers Style

Went over to Heinz Field last night with about 25,000 other screaming Steelers fans. The weather was mild for late January in western Pennsylvania. The gates didn't open until 5:00 but two or three thousand were already waiting in line to get in when Goody Two Shoes 'n me arrived. Here are a few snaps from last nights festivities.

To be sure, there was tailgating...and music...and games...and drinking.



Waiting with everyone else for Gate A to open.

Steeler fans are a colorful lot, to be sure. Kind of like this old fella, who was getting interviewed when I took his picture.

Then there was this fella with a steel beam through his hard hat.

Some members of Steeler Nation go ape for their team. (Sorry, I couldn't help it)

Did I mention there was drinking? Okay, I did. These three guys, (who were feeling no pain) had a Steelers flag on a pole long enough that I couldn't get them and the flag in one shot. Anyway, they had little red birds tied off to the pole. (Look in the upper right corner and you can see them)

Finally, we're heading in. A first for me last night was getting patted down by security.

Former Steelers lineman and current Steelers broadcaster, Tunch Ilkin hanging out before the ceremonies begin.

The sign says it all.

Me 'n Goody Two Shoes

Goody Two Shoes before she started getting cold.

The Pittsburgh Poison All-star Dance Team got the crowd going.

Then the South Fayette High School Marching Band came out. We went to cheer on our Steelers as they get ready to go to Tampa, but we came away fans of these kids. They were fantastic! Their uniforms were what ever Steelers jersey they happened to own.

When it was time to play, they sprinted onto the field and went right into their first number.

They kicked, high-stepped, twirled, and danced while they played.

They even managed to play in formation...like 99 percent of all other bands do.

They even managed to play while flat on their backs.

And when it was time to go, they got in a conga line and danced off the field. This is the best high school band I've ever seen!

Then it was time for the Clarks, a local Pittsburgh favorite. Here they are performing a song called Cigarette.


After the Clarks it was time to get pumped because the Steelers were coming out.


HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO! Feel the power of the Terrible Towel.

First, Mr. Rooney thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the Steelers.


Then Jeff Reed came out. Nice hair!

James Harrison.

And then came Big Ben.

On the stage, thanking everyone for coming out, and promising to bring a 'Six Pack' home to Pittsburgh.

We had a fantastic time. A big thanks to Suzy at Suzy's Bloomers for the timely info on the Pep Rally.